AR Waveguide Projection Using Laser Diodes for Bright Low-Power Displays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wearable augmented reality glasses suffer from being distracting, having high power consumption, and displaying dim and small images, while existing technologies fail to provide a transparent, efficient, and cost-effective projection system that offers unobstructed views and low power consumption.
Innovation Solution
The development of wearable augmented reality projection systems using blue and green laser diodes fabricated on non-polar or semi-polar oriented gallium nitride substrates, combined with optical delivery through transparent waveguides such as diffraction, holographic, polarized, or reflective optics, enabling bright image display with low power consumption and a compact form factor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If conventional light sources and projection systems are used in wearable augmented reality glasses, then the system can display images, but the images appear dim and small, and the device has high power consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameters of the light source by using laser diodes instead of conventional LEDs or bulbs. Laser diodes operate at higher optical efficiency and can be driven at lower currents to achieve the same or higher brightness levels, directly resolving the contradiction between image brightness and power consumption in wearable displays
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs non-polar or semi-polar oriented gallium nitride substrates for laser diode fabrication, which provides superior optical properties and higher efficiency at the local material level. This localized improvement in material quality enables higher brightness output with lower power consumption, addressing the technical contradiction
2Area of stationary object
If conventional projection systems are used in wearable augmented reality glasses, then the system can display images, but the images appear small and the device form factor becomes bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the projection system into highly integrated laser diode modules mounted on compact heat sinks, which can be positioned close to the eye. This segmentation allows the display area to be effectively increased while keeping each component module small, resolving the contradiction between display area and form factor
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes transparent waveguide optics to deliver laser light to the eye, transitioning from a conventional planar projection approach to a three-dimensional optical path. This dimensional change allows compact component placement while maintaining large virtual display area, addressing the form factor constraint
3Illumination intensity
If conventional light sources are used in wearable augmented reality glasses, then the system can display images, but the light sources obstruct the user's line of sight
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces transparent waveguide optics as an intermediary between the laser diode light source and the user's eye. The waveguide carries the laser light through transparent material that does not obstruct the line of sight, allowing high light output while maintaining visual transparency, thus resolving the technical contradiction
4Illumination intensity
If conventional laser fabrication methods are used, then the system can achieve sufficient brightness, but the chip size and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the substrate orientation parameter from conventional polar-cut to non-polar or semi-polar oriented gallium nitride. This parameter change in crystal orientation enables higher optical efficiency and lower threshold currents, achieving sufficient brightness with smaller chip sizes and reduced manufacturing costs
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs laser diodes with simplified mounting on compact heat sinks rather than complex conventional projection systems. This approach uses simpler, more manufacturable components that reduce both chip size and manufacturing cost while maintaining adequate brightness performance
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
These systems provide bright, efficient, and cost-effective image projection with low power consumption, allowing for unobstructed views and a compact form factor, achieving high optical throughput and reduced chip size and cost, while maintaining transparency and minimal obstruction to the user's line of sight.
Implementation Method 1
a laser diode source... configured to traverse electromagnetic radiation from the laser diode source through the wave guide structure
Implementation Method 2
optical delivery to the eye using transparent waveguides
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is directed to wearable display technologies. More specifically, various embodiments of the present invention provide wearable augmented reality glasses incorporating projection display systems where one or more laser diodes are used as light source for illustrating images with optical delivery to the eye using transparent waveguides. In one set of embodiments, the present invention provides wearable augmented reality glasses incorporating projector systems that utilize transparent waveguides and blue and/or green laser fabricated using gallium nitride containing material. In another set of embodiments, the present invention provides wearable augmented reality glasses incorporating projection systems having digital lighting processing engines illuminated by blue and/or green laser devices with optical delivery to the eye using transparent waveguides. In one embodiment, the present invention provides wearable augmented reality glasses incorporating a 3D display system with optical delivery to the eye using transparent waveguides. There are other embodiments as well.